Leading public health organizations on the African continent, criticize the quality of the vaccines that have been donated to Africa, and want them to arrive at least 10 weeks before they are due to expire.

"Most donations" of anti-covid vaccines given to Africa "have been 'ad hoc,' provided at short notice and with a short shelf life," said a number of the continent's leading public health organizations.

So far it is estimated that more than 90 million donated doses have been delivered to the continent through COVAX and AVAT, a figure that does not include vaccines received as a result of bilateral agreements.

To achieve higher coverage rates across the continent, and for donations to be a complementary source of supply to procurement, "this trend has to change," say African health organizations.

"Countries need a predictable and reliable supply. Having to plan short-term and ensure uptake of short shelf-life doses exponentially increases the logistical burden on already overstretched health systems," the statement warned.

"Moreover, 'ad hoc' supply as it occurs uses capabilities - human resources, infrastructure, cold chains - that could be targeted for successful and sustainable long-term implementation," the text adds.

The fact that doses arrive on the continent with a short shelf life "may have long-term repercussions on confidence in vaccines," the organizations further emphasize.

Donations to COVAX, AVAT and African countries "must be made in a way that allows countries to effectively mobilize domestic resources in support of implementation and allows for long-term planning to increase coverage rates," so they call on the international community, particularly donor and manufacturing countries, to "commit to this effort."

African NGOs recommend predictability, target setting, adequate vaccine shelf life with a "minimum of 10 weeks," advance warning of "not less than four weeks," response times, and provision alongside vaccines of all essential accessories to ensure rapid absorption, such as syringes.